Electric device for winding clocks



3 Sheets-Sheet 1.

(No Model.)

G. P. BALLOU.

BLEGTRIO DEVICE FOR WINDING CLOCKS. No. 277,104. Patented May 8,1883.

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= a f 1 M /N VENIOI? Georye Ffiallaw I WITNESSES B his A/Io e8. @M my m(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 2. G. P. BALLOU.

ELEUTRIQ DEVICE FOR WINDING CLOCKS. No. 277,104. Patented May 8,1883.

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(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

G. P. BALLOU.

ELECTRIC DEVICE FOR WINDING CLOCKS. No. 277,104. Patented May 8,1883.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE F. BALLOU, OF \VALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS.

ELECTRIC DEVICE FOR WINDING CLOCKS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 277,104, dated May 8,1883.

Application filed July 6, (No model.)

To all whom "it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE F. BALLOU, of

\ Waltham, in the county of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Clocks, of which thefollowing is a specification.

My invention com prehends an electric clockwinding apparatus which keepsthe clock constantly wound by a continuous action which takes place asthe clock is running without in any manner affecting the strain of theweight upon the train, The latter feature of my invention-the winding ofthe clock without modifying the force of the weights -upon the trainisapplicable to clocks generally which are run by weights. The importanceof such an organization and operation will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art. The evil effects which result from relieving thetrain from the force of the weight ofa clock in winding it are wellunderstood, and ways of avoidingitbythenseofmaintainingsprings,whichkeep the train under tension during the winding, have been devised. Nosuch spring or any supplementaryweight is employed in my invention, nochange is made from one force to another, which necessarily involves amodifying influence, but the clock-weight itself at all times exerts itsconstant uniform pull or strain upon the clock-train.

My invention will be found specially valuable in astronomical and otherclocks, which are required to be of the greatest delicacy. As the clockis kept constantly automatically wound by a continuous uniform actionand the strain of the weight upon the train is never changed, theliability of variation is reduced to the minimum, and the accuracy ofthe clock is increased in a very marked degree.

My invention further contemplates certain other minor improvements inconstruction and organization more or less incidental to the two Fig. 2is a side elcvation of the same. Fig. 3 is a detail view of the windingindicating-dial. Fig. 4. is a detail View showing an arrangement of thebarrel and cord where I employ a single weight. Fig. 5 is a view of asomewhat similar organization where a single weight is employed. Fig. 6is a detail elevation showing a modified construction in which thewinding actuating-shaft placed below the barrel of the clock instead ofabove it, as in Figs. 1 and 2; and Fig. 7 is a detail elevation showingthe winding-shalt passing outside of the clock-frame, so that theelectric part of the apparatus may be removed from the clock-work, ifdesired.

Referring specially to Figs. 1 and 2, A is a portion of the frame-workof the clock upon which the clock -train frame and the other parts ofthe mechanism are mounted. A vertical shaft, B, having its upper bearingin a bracket, b, passes centrally through the crownwheel 0 and itselongated sleeve-hub c, and carries at its lower end the weight-frame D.The hub c of the crown-wheel has its bearing in a bracket, G, secured onthe frame A. The barrel E of the clock mechanism is secured rigidly tothe lower end of the sleeve 0 of the the crown-wheelU, the sleevepreferably passingthrough thebarrel, as indicated in the drawings. Thevertical shaftB therefore passes centrally through the crown-whcel G andthrough the barrel E, and revolves with the weightframe D independentlyof them. The weightframe, which is a small transverse frame securedcentrally upon the shaft B, is provided with pulleys d d at each end.The weight-- cords d are attached to opposite sides of the barrel E, andthen pass over the pulleys d on theends of-the weight-frame,aroundpulleys 1 connected with the weights D, and are then connected to theweight-frame at (1 The cords being wound upon the barrel by therevolution of the weight-frame in a manner to be described, the pull ofboth weights will tend to revolve the drum in the same direction. As thedrum is vertical and concentrically arranged with reference to the shaftB, which carries the weight-frame, it will be obvious that by revolvingthe shaft 13 in the proper direction the wei ght-frame will revolvebeneath the barrel, and will wind the cords thereon without at allremoving or in any way modify- Too ing the strains of the weights uponthe barrel and train. The crown-wheel 0 gears with the pinionf, whichactuates the clock-train in the usual manner. This is well understood,and needs no special description in this connection.

By the organization above described it will be perceived that the strainof the weights is kept constantly upon the barrel and train of the clockas well when the clock is being wound as at other times. The uprightshaft B may extend up through the top of the clockcase and be actuatedby a key in the ordinary manner at stated intervals to wind the clock,or by gearing the shaft may be wound from the side or bottom, as is mostconvenient. In either case, however, an ordinary ratchetand-pawlarrangement, such as is shown in Fig. 7, and hereinafter described,should connect' the worm-wheel G with the shaft, so as to permit theshaft to be rotated by the key without affecting the worm. In order,however, to keep the clock constantly wound by a continuous action, Iemploy an automatic electric winding arrangement, which I will nowdescribe. The upright shaft B carries at its up per end a worm-wheel, G,which gears with a corresponding small worm, g, on the shaft G, mountedon suitable bearings, g g, in the clock-case. The shaft G carries aratchetwheel, h, which is actuated by a spring pushrod, h, carried atthe outer end of the vibrating-armatureHoftheelectro-magnetH. Eachvibration of the armature will revolve the ratchet-wheelone tooth, andthrough the shaft G, Worm g,worm-wheel G, shaftB,and weightframe D willwind the clock. The electric circuit runs from the battery I, by wire I,to the insulated circuit-plate t', circuit-breaker i, insulated plate F,by wire i to coil of the electro-magnet, and by wire 2' from theelectromagnet to the opposite pole of the battery. Each swing of thependulum P will operate an eseapement and permit the break-wheel K torevolve one tooth, The passage of this tooth past the insulatedsnubbing-tooth 7c of the circuit-breaker causes a break and make in thecircuit, which produces a vibration of the armature H, and a consequentrevolution of the ratchet-wheel h, a partial rotation of theweight-frame D, and a consequent winding of the weight-cord on thebarrel of the clock. The seape-wheelrnaybe on the same shaft with thebreak-wheel K. The details of the escapement may be of any well-knowncharacter. It is deemed unnecessary to show and describe them.

The number of teeth in the break-wheel K, the ratchet-wheel h, theworms, and the other gearing should be arranged with reference to eachother, so that the makes and breaks in the circuit will cause a rotationof the weight- :frame 1) relatively to the rotation of the barrel, whichwill be just sufficient to keep the cords wound upon the barrel in auniform position and the weights at a constant unvary, ing height. Thus,as the barrel turns and the clock runs, the cords will be constantlywound with an equivalent speed, and the clock can the wheel L isarranged to be revolved once in twenty-four hours, or one thousand fourhundred and forty minutes, the gearing properly timed, and the battery Iis kept in good order, and no accidents occur, the weightframe willrevolve in the same time, and consequently the clock will be keptuniformly wound. The drawings show different numbers of teeth on thewheels from those above given; but the point is immaterial.

As before remarked, in order to wind the clock by an ordinary key underthe organization shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the end of the shaft B might besquared and arranged so as to project above the top of the elock case;or it might be wound from the side of the clock by suitable gearing, theworm-wheel being connected to the shaft by an ordinary ratchet-andpawlarrangement; or the end of the shaft G may project beyond the clock-case and be squared or provided with a thumb-piece, G by which theshaft may be actuated, in which case the push-rod h will slip on theratchetwheel and permit the winding without disturbing the electricwinding part of the apparatus. It is desirable to have such an ordinarykeywinding arrangement in connection with a continuous automaticelectric winder, so that the clock may be wound in case of any accidentto the electric part of the apparatus.

In order to tell whether the electric winding apparatus is operating, itis best that an indicating apparatus should be provided. I have showntwo forms of such apparatus in the accompanying drawings.

In Figs. 2 and 3 an ordinary time-dial, provided with hour and minutehands, is mounted upon the shaft G, which carries the electricclock-winding mechanism. The hands of this auxiliary indicating-dial areso geared as to move at the same rate as the regular time-indicatinghands on the dial-face of the clock, which latter are not represented inthe drawings, as their illustration seems unnecessary. If any accidentshould happen to the battery or winding mechanism, the hands on theauxiliary indicating-dial would stop, and it could therefore be readilyperceived by a comparison of the two dials howlong and at just what timethe winding mechanism had ceased to 0p crate. The gearing-to actuate thehands of the indicating-dial isochronously with those of the ordinarytime-dial can be arranged in any suitable usual manner. It is deemedunnecessary to describe it in detail.

In Fig. 1 of the drawings I have shown another indicating apparatus,consisting of an alarm-bell,which is sounded once in each revolution ofthe ratchet-wheel h-that is to say,

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every five minutes. The arrangement is as follows: The bell Q, ismounted on the top of the clock-case, and the hammer Q is pivoted in abracket, g, on the inside of the clock-case. A right-angle extension orarm, q, of the hammer-lever projects laterally under the ratchetwheelshaft G and is graduallyraised at each revolution of the shaft by a cam,1 The effect of this is to draw the hammer away from the hell; but uponthe arm riding past thelip of the cam a coil-spring, g draws the hammerdown upon the bell and sounds the alarm. The arm q vibrates between twostuds, g 1 When the. hammer is drawn forward by the spring to strike thebell the arm q will strike the stud q before the hammer reaches the bellbut the hammer-lever is sufficiently yielding and the leverage is suchthat the hammer will spring over far enough to sound the bell. In caseit is desired to throw the hell out of action, the spring q may bereleased and the hammer tilted back so as to rest upon the stop where itwill be out of action. Other forms of indicators may be employed withoutdeparting from the broad principle of my invention.

In Fig. 4 I have shown an arrangement in which a. single weight, D, isemployed. In this organization a single-weight cord, d, is attached tothe barrel, passes over the pulley (I on the weigh t-frame under thepulley (1 carried by l he weight, and is attached to the frame at (P.The effect will be the same as that of the double-weight arrangementillustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. The figure does not need furtherdescription.

A single weight is also employed in the organization shown in Fig.5. Inthat figure, the weight-cord passes over the pulley d carried by theweight up overthe pulleys d d on the weight-frame, and its ends are thensecured to the opposite side of the barrel, as in Fig. 1. The effect isthe same as in Fig. 1.

In Fig.6 the vertical winding-shaft B eX- lends downward any suitabledistance rela tively to the clock mechanism, and carries near its lowerend the worm-wheel G. The horizontal shal't G, carrying the ratchetwheelh, which is actuated by the electric winding mechanism, may be extendedlaterally any suitable distance from the clock-case, so as to remove theelectricpart of the apparatus from the works of the clock, which may befound advantageous in some cases. In this organization the lower end ofthe shaft B can have its bearing in a suitable stepping at b, while itsupper end may have its bearing within a sleeve or bracket, which formsthe bearing for the crown-wheel G; or the upper end of the shaft mayhave its bearing at W, in the lower end of the shaft or sleeve 0, whichcarries the crown-wheel O and the barrel of the clock. Any suitablearrangement will answer, and it is immaterial so far as the organizationis concerned, provided that the bearings are such that the rotation ofthe shaft B will not have any efl'ect upon the barrel. In thearrangement. shown in this figure the weight-frame is similar to thatshown in Fig. 1; but, for convenience of illustration, the weights andcords have been omitted. The end of the shaft G, which extends outthrough the clock-case, may be squared at its end for the reception ofan ordinary winding-keyn- Fig. 7 illustrates an arrangementin which thewinding-shaft B is extended up to or through the top of the clock-case,while the shaft G, which is actuated by the electric winding apparatus,extends out laterally through the side of the case, so that the electricpart of the apparatus may be removed from the clockwork. Under thisorganization the shaft B has its bearings in a tubular bracket orsleeve, B, the shaft being provided with a bearingcollar, B, whichsustains it in place. The worm-wheel G is placed loosely upon the shaltB, but is locked with it when revolved in one direction by a pawl, r, onthe wheel whichcngages in a ratchet, s, secured on the shaft. Theratchet and bearing collar B may be formed ina single piece and securelypinned to the shaft. The shaft 0, which carries the barrel E, has itslower bearing in any suitable stepping at t, while its upper end has itsbearing in the lower end of the shaft B at t. The weight-frame in thisorganization is of an inverted construction, the arms which carry thepulleys (1 depending and the barrel revolving between them. The cordsfrom the weights pass up over the pulleys, and their ends are attachedto opposite sides of the barrel. The operation is the same as that ofthe weights and frame in theother figures of the drawings. The upper endof the shaft B is shown as squared for the reception of an ordinarywinding-key. The ratchet-and-pawl arrangement r 8 causes the worm-wheelD to revolve the shaft B and wind up the clock when the shaft G isactuated by the electric apparatus. When, however, an ordinarywinding-key is applied to the squared end of the shaft B, the ratchetand pawl 1's permit the shaft B to revolveindependently of theworm-wheel G, so as to revolve the weight-frame and wind up the clockirrespective of the electric apparatus. The ratchet and pawl hold theshaft B and preventit from turning back.

The general operation and arrangement of the other parts of theapparatus are the same as that under the organization shown in Fig. 1,the position of the several parts, so far as shown in this figure, beingindicated by corresponding referen ce-letters.

In theweight-frames illustrated in the different figures of the drawingsthe pulleys at each end or side of the frame are placed at the oppositediagonal corners, so that the pulleys will be in line with tangentsdrawn from the opposite sides of the barrel in opposite directions.This-insures a direct pull of the cord on the barrel and avoids thecramping of the parts.

Other modifications than those already described and indicated in thedrawings will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in lLO theart; and it will of course be obvious that many such changes may be madewithout departing from the principle of myinvention, the broad featuresof which have been briefly indicated at the beginning of thisspecification. So far as a mere modification in the character of theweights employed is concerned it will be obvious under the organizationsshown in Figs. 1, 6, and 7 that a single solid cylindrical weight mightbe employed, the cords being attached to it at opposite points.

In case of any accident to the battery, or where the necessity forreplacing the battery arises, there would be a loss of a certain numberof movements of the armature-lever which actuates the winding mechanism.This loss could be made up very readily by placing a break-key in thecircuit, which could be actuated to wind the weights to the properposition. The loss in any event would be a very small one, the change ofthe battery only requiring a few moments wor or the loss could be madeup by operating the shafts B or G by an ordinary key, as described.

I am aware that Letters Patent No. 3l,242, granted January 29, 1861,describe a weightclock which is kept constantly wound. In thatclock,bowever, the clock-train was driven at diiferent points atintervals, first from one winding-drum and then from another. Such anarrangement necessarily involves a loss of motion and imparts a shockthrough the train when the two driving-gears are alternately thrown intooperation. The strain of the weight is therefore not kept withoutvariation upon the train.

What I claim as my invention is 1. The combination of the clockmechanism, the vertical barrel, the weight-frame, and automatic electricwinding mechanism which rotates the weight-frame and winds up the clock.

2. The combination of the clock mechanism, the vertical barrel, theweight-frame, an electric circuit, a circuit-breaker, and anelectromagnetic step'by-step actuating mechanism operated by each breakand make in the circuit to rotate the weight-frame and wind up theclock, substantially as set forth.

3. The combination of the clock mechanism, the vertical barrel, theshaft carrying .the weight-frame arranged concentrically with thebarrel, the weight -frame, the counter-shaft G, the gearing, theratchet-wheel on the countershat't, an electric circuit, acircuit-breaker actuated by each movement ot'the escapement, and theelectric step-by-step mechanism, actuated by each break and make in thecircuit to revolve the ratchet-wheel and rotate the weightframe to windup the clock, substantially as set forth.

.4. The combination of clock mechanism, weight-sustaining devices whichenable the weights to exert a never-varying constant strain upon thetrain, and automatic electric mechanism for winding the clock withoutmodifying the strain of the weight upon the train, substantially as setforth.

5. The combination of clock mechanism, a vertical actuating-barrel, andan independently-rotatable weight-frame.

6. The combination, substantially as set t'orth, of the clock mechanism,the vertical barrel, to which the weight cord or cords are attached, theweight-frame which supports the weights, and mechanism for revolving theWeightframe independently of the barrel to wind the cords on the barrelwithout removing the strain of the weights from the clocktrain.

7. The combination of the clock mechanism, the vertical barrel, thewinding-shaft arranged concentrically with the barrel, the weightframecarried by the shaft, the weights and cords, and means for rotating thewindingshat't to wind up the clock without removing the strain of theWeight from the train, substantially as set forth.

8. The combination of clock mechanism,"

clock-weight-sustaining devices which maintain the strain of the weightconstantly and without variation on the train, and means for winding theclock without changing the strain of the weight upon the train.

9. The combination of the clock mechanism, automatic electric-windingmechanism which operates continuously to keep the clock wound as theclock is running, and an indicating device to indicate that the windingmechanism is operating, substantially as set forth.

10. The combination of the clock mechanism, the automatic windingmechanism, which operates continuously to keep the clock wound, and anauxiliary indicating-dial, the hands of which are actuated by thewinding mechanism and are geared to move isochronously with the regulardial-hands oi the clock, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name.

GEO. F. BALLOU.

Witnesses:

W. R. WILLS, CHARLES F. S'roNn.

